View Job Posting and Apply Here: Overnight Camp and Outdoor Education Opportunities | YMCA BC

Position Title: Assistant Manager, Summer Camp, Camper Focus

Location: YMCA Camp Elphinstone, 1760 YMCA Road, Gibsons, BC, V0N 1V6

Salary: $23,500-$25,000

Position Status: Seasonal Contract, Full time 

Term: April 1st – Sept 30th, 2025 (6 months)          

Reports To: Manager, Summer Camp

Situation

YMCA Camp Elphinstone is located near Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. It is situated on 144 acres of temperate rainforest along the shores of Howe Sound. During July and August, Camp Elphinstone offers programs for youth ages 5-17, including one and two week overnight camps, Leadership Development programs, paddling and hiking multi-day out-trips, and day camps. From September to June, Camp Elphinstone operates as an Outdoor Education, Event and Retreat Centre for schools, conferences, weddings, and other special interest groups. Camp Elphinstone currently serves over 10,000 participants annually. 

YMCA Camp Elphinstone has accommodation and dining for up to 472 campers or guests. Camp Elphinstone employs approximately 140 staff/volunteers during July and August, with a team between 20-50 for the spring and fall Outdoor Education seasons, and a smaller core team of 10 staff during the winter season. Successful Camp Elphinstone staff are self-motivated individuals whose ambition is to help children and youth develop in an outdoor camp setting, and who believe in 5-star customer service for all client groups. 

Nature & Scope 

Reporting to the Summer Camp Manager the Assistant Manager- Camper Focus is responsible for overseeing and maintaining a high-quality experience for all overnight and leadership development campers. A strong emphasis is placed on fostering an environment that prioritizes camper wellbeing, staff support, and operational excellence.

The Assistant Manager will directly support members of the senior staff team and head counsellor team to provide an excellent camp experience for both campers and staff. 

The Assistant Summer Camp Manager is responsible for planning and implementing all aspects of Camp Elphinstone as it relates to the counselling team, camper care, the inclusion program, and leadership development program, while building and maintaining a camper-focused culture. They ensure that camper safety, supervision, care and positive relationship building are at the centre of each camper’s experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and maintain a high-quality camper experience, ensuring all activities align with camp’s mission and values; while ensuring all applicable BCCA, YMCA, and Camp Elphinstone standards, policies and, procedures are followed and maintained in daily operation.
• Maintain all health and safety protocols by acting as a First Aid attendant, doing site walkthroughs, report defects, maintain site safety and cleanliness, wildlife mitigation. 
• Support senior staff team, providing clear expectations, regular feedback and professional development opportunities.
• Provide guidance and support to a large team of 80-90 counselors and volunteers, ensuring effective camper care through supervision, minor first aid, addressing mental health concerns, resolving camper conflicts, and promoting overall wellbeing for up to 350 overnight campers at a time.
• Support the development and delivery of programs for inclusion and leadership development.
• Assist with recruitment, hiring, coaching and leading a team of 120 staff and volunteers committed to building a strong, inclusive, and camper-focused camp culture.
• Develop & deliver innovative training that supports professional development of staff & volunteers.
• Ensure the safety of all members, participants, staff, and property by following YMCA standards/policies/procedures and ensuring they are maintained amongst all participants and staff.
• Communicate with parents/guardians and liaise with summer partnership groups and international groups.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience, at least one year in a leadership/supervisory role
• Degree or Diploma in a relevant field, such as education, biology or outdoor recreation
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C 
• OFA 3 (or willingness to obtain)
• BC Class 5 Driver’s License
• Criminal Reference Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date

Additional Qualifications (assets)

• ACCT Level 2
• BC Class 4 Driver’s License
• Mental Health First Aid

Competencies: 

In addition to bringing a commitment to YMCA vision and values, the candidate should possess the following competencies: 

Leading Self 

• Evolve in Professional Capability – Commit to being better 
• Achieve Excellence and Authenticity – Show up with the best version of you 

Leading Others 

• Develop the Potential in Others – Help people grow and lead 
• Create a Culture of Connection – Build bridges between people and partners 

Leading Mission 

• Think and Act Strategically – Make good decisions and act on them 
• Make an Intentional Impact – Advance the strength and cause of the Y